11 Songs Where It’s All Work and No Play | Playlist 🎧

“11 Songs Where It’s All Work and No Play” features music courtesy of Alex Aiono, Chance the Rapper, Hozier, MGMT, and Rihanna.

“Is it worth it? Let me work it / I put my thing down, flip it and reverse it.” Go ahead Missy Elliott – go ‘head girl! “‘Work it!’ / It’s light work / Right work / Wrong drink, the right work.” Whatever you say Wale – “Ain’t nobody harder than a n*gga Folarin.” Moving on, “I’ve been up all night, tryna get that rich / I’ve been work, work, work, work, working on my shit.” Okay Iggy Azalea, I see you – we trust that you’ve been ‘putting in that work.’  All three of the songs have one thing in common – work!

11 Songs Where It’s All Work and No Play wouldn’t be the first ‘work’ centered playlist I ever penned.  Prior to the birth of The Musical Hype, 10 Songs That Require Work to Be Put In was originally published on Brent Music Reviews before republication on The Musical Hype.  That playlist was written back in 2016, so, it felt right to provide an updated edition. 11 Songs Where It’s All Work and No Play features music courtesy of Alex Aiono (“Work the Middle”),  Chance the Rapper (“Work Out”), Hozier (“Work Song”), MGMT (“She Works Out Too Much”), and Rihanna (“Work”).

1. Chance the Rapper, “Work Out”

Work Out [Single] • Chance the Rapper • 2018

“Today I missed my workout, but it worked out / Now I’m missing work now, but it worked out.” Preach! Grammy-winning rapper Chi-town rapper Chance the Rapper came alive in July 2018, releasing four, streaming-only singles simultaneously.  Among those four singles is the song at hand, “Work Out”. “Work Out” features a jazz-soul backdrop, featuring upright bass and electric piano.  The vibes are smooth and uplifting, fitting for a rapper like Chance.

The chorus, which appears at the top of the record, is both catchy and thoughtful.  Continuing from the aforementioned excerpt:

“Had to buy a crib, ‘fore I bought my first house
Had my first kid, I love how she turned out
I love how she turned up, even if I’m burned out
I’ma have so many seeds, I could have a birdhouse
Send my love on they mama, I hope it work out
I hope it work out.”

Life didn’t work out exactly the way Chance the Rapper hoped or thought it would, but now, ‘it’s all good.’ His rhymes are potent, approaching “Work Out” in an agile pop-, melodic-rap approach. Francis and the Lights provide an assist on the second verse, alongside Chance that’s clearly melodic, contrasting the first verse as well as the third. Throughout, he uses terrific wordplay, including a superb reference to Usher: “I don’t want my next album sounding all Usher-y / But I must Confess, I must confess.” On the third verse, he’s passionate about marriage and being a good husband.

“If we read the wrong one, we could re-jump the broom
If we read the wrong one, baby we jump the groom
I’m ready to be groomed
I’m ready to assume, the position is filled…”

Chance the Rapper is ‘on,’ period.  He’s got bars, vibes – “it works out.”

2. Quavo, “Workin Me”

QUAVO HUNCHO • Quality Control Music / Motown / Capitol • 2018

QUAVO of Migos fame, keeps things brief on, “Workin Me”, an advance single from his debut solo album, QUAVO HUNCHO. “Workin Me” clocks in under three minutes.  It’s a sufficient amount – no shade.  The rapper continues to be true to self – confident, with a compelling flow.

Does Quavo have much to say on “Workin Me”? NO, but the vibe is on-point.  Furthermore, the production is slick – a hard, syncopated beat, and light, colorful synths go a long way. Beyond the backdrop, another selling point for Quavo is the chorus, which is catchy, easily getting stuck in your head.

“Workin’ me, she workin’ me
Urgin’ me, it be urgin’ me
Just let up the top and close the curtain, please
I decided to go up like Major League
She just popped the Perky just like pork and beans
She just popped the Perky, say I hurt her knees
She hurtin’ me, wrist strong, Hercules.”

3. MGMT, “She Works Out Too Much”

Little Dark Age • Columbia • 2018

Trippy alternative collective MGMT returned in 2018 after nearly a five-year hiatus.  That’s right, Andrew Vanwyngarden and Ben Goldwasser dropped their fourth studio album, Little Dark Age.  From the start, it’s clear Little Dark Age contrasts their 2013 self-titled effort, which didn’t receive the same buzz as the band’s debut, Oracular Spectacular (2007), or sophomore LP, Congratulations (2010).  My question is, why didn’t Little Dark Age receive a Grammy nomination – it was among the best alternative music projects of 2018.  No need to “cry over spilled milk,” let’s focus on the song at hand, “She Works Out Too Much.” Is the ever such a thing?

“Don’t take it the wrong way / I can never keep up / Sick of liking your selfies / Should’ve gone with my gut.” Little Dark Age commences with a bang on “She Works Out Too Much.” MGMT seems to speak on the fakeness, shallowness, and superficiality of some modern relationships.  Musically, this record sounds like a mix of 80s exercise music, psychedelia, and synth-pop.  “(He’s trying) / (She works out too much) / The only reason we never worked out was / He didn’t work out.” ‘Works’ for me!

4. Alex Aiono, “Work the Middle”

“Work the Middle” • Interscope • 2017

After signing with Interscope, heartthrob Alex Aiono dropped an original, major label debut single, “Work the Middle”, following many awesome covers and mashups via YouTube. Like his vocal prowess on video platform, Aiono continues to show off his superb set of pipes. Pop, particularly gimmicky, modern pop, doesn’t always showcase the full breadth of vocals.  Despite the hyper drums and tropically-driven pop production, there is no vocal sacrifice.  Furthermore, Aiono is able to infuse personality and swagger.  “Work the Middle” isn’t the second coming in regard to songwriting or production, but respectable by all means.

“Come and meet me at the afterparty / Bring your body, mama work the middle / Just a little don’t tell nobody / Bring your body, mama work the middle.” Prudently, sex the is the modus operandi. Aiono never crosses the line (the three-letter word isn’t mentioned) but clearly this is meant to be suggestive.  Work is the go-to innuendo for the act – just see Fifth Harmony or Rihanna further down this list. Even so, Alex A keeps it classy.

5. Fergie, “A Little Work”

Double Dutchess • BMG Rights Management • 2017

Comebacks are possible; numerous artists have been ‘out of the game’ for years and returned strong. That’s not always the case, but it can happen. Fergie returned in 2017 with her sophomore album, Double Dutchess. arriving 11 years after the jam-packed The Dutchess. Lots has changed since the days of “Fergalicious,” but the forty-something rapper, singer, and songwriter attempted to reclaim her throne.  The key word is ‘attempted,’ so it’s safe to say that she truly could’ve used “A Little Work.”

“We’re all just a little bit broken / We’re all just a little bit hurt / We’ve all got wounds half open / We all can use a little work / A little work, a little…” “A Little Work” arrives as the fifth song off of Double Dutchess. While it’s certainly not a tour de force or crowning achievement, Fergie has her fair share of moments.  Such moments include commanding vocals and thoughtful messaging. The personal nature of “A Little Work” gives Double Dutchess some much-needed maturity. It’s imperfect mind you, but Fergie deserves some credit, particularly on the aforementioned chorus.

6. French Montana, “She Workin”

Ft. Marc E. Bassy

Jungle Rules • Epic • 2017

Following a four-year hiatus, French Montana returned in 2017 with his sophomore album, Jungle Rules.  Jungle Rules follows his 2013 debut album, Excuse My French, which featured the hit single, the p’-popping’ “Pop That.” Jungle Rules, a lengthy effort comprised of 18 songs and running 64 minutes in duration, is ‘all over the place’ to say the least.  That said, French Montana scores the occasional win, such as “She Workin,” the 14^th track from Jungle Rules.

“Baby, is you fooling me or are you fooling ‘em / I’ma catch that off the rim / And I hope you meant cool when I’m calling you.” Okay… In the context of the album, “She Workin” provides French Montana with another unique joint.  The sound captures drunkenness and sex.  Marc E Bassy handles the hook, doing a fantastic job.

“She working and I know
All the things that she do on the low
She flirts and yeah she bad
You know she could spend and make it back.”

French has his moments here, fitting into the overall vibe.  The oddest thing about this song is the form – there’s an element of unpredictability given the order of the sections.  In that sense, this is a more forward-thinking record.

7. Rihanna, “Work”

Ft. Drake

Anti • Westbury Road Entertainment / Roc Nation • 2016

Perhaps “Work” isn’t Grammy-winner Rihanna’s go-to ‘unapologetic’ song, but it’s definitely “not that innocent.” First, it is worth praising SOME of the lyrics – “Work” has elements of a relationship transcendent of the physical components.  But “Work” would be boring if an emotional connection were solely the M.O., right? Damn right!

Lyrically, deciphering much of “Work” is difficult, considering that Rihanna sings in a tropical dialect (her words purposely slurred as well).  Regardless, it doesn’t matter – it’s clear that the “work” is sexual.  Furthermore, she kicks it up a notch compared to say Alex Aiono (“Work the Middle”). The chorus alone establishes that point, while the accompanying video with Drake confirms it.  This is a song where the sound itself amplifies its steamy, unapologetic nature. “Work” has appeared on numerous playlists including 10 Songs That Require Work to Be Put In and 11 Songs Where It Gets Steamy II.

8. Majid Jordan, “Make It Work”

Majid Jordan • OVO Sound / Warner Bros. • 2016

“I’ve been having lots of troubles here lately / I don’t wanna do these things, but you make me (you do) / Something in my heart feels vacant / I can’t even pretend, no, I won’t even pretend…” Beyond the aforementioned lyrics from the pre-chorus, the groove on “Make It Work” is infectious AF! Yep, you can tell that Canadian R&B duo Majid Jordan (Majid Al Maskati and Jordan Ullman) are the dudes who ‘fueled the fire’ for the Drake mega-hit “Hold On, We’re Going Home”. Basically, on the sophomore cut from their self-titled debut album, Majid Jordan have “been having lots of troubles here lately.”

Despite the troubles, Majid Jordan are striving to “make it work, make it work.” What exactly are they trying to “make work?” The potential relationship, which is definitely a step above some of the shallower, more sexualized songs on this playlist.  The chorus sums up the end-goal:

“‘Cause it’s just another day
It’s just another day
Just another day
All I keep on thinking is work
Make it work, make it work…”

“Make it Work” previously appeared on the playlist 10 Songs That Require Work to Be Put In.

9. Alicia Keys, “Work on It”

Here • RCA • 2016

Alicia Keys aimed for big, socially conscious ideas on her 2016, sixth studio album, Here.  Those ideas weren’t always seamlessly executed, but Here still managed its fair share of highlights including “The Gospel”, “Blended Family (What You Do for Love)”, and “More Than We Know.” She’s also quite successful on the song at hand, “Work on It,” which arrives as the 10^th track on Here.

“I know some people like to say / That the easiest way is to fake it / We gonna make it if we try…” That’s the spirit Alicia! Pharrell Williams lends his production prowess on “Work on It.”  The record can be described as a slow, six-eight, throwback ballad all about making the relationship work, much like the Majid Jordan record that precedes.  Vocally, Alicia Keys sounds smooth during the verses and soulful on the chorus (“When they see us coming, they gon’ say / Oh-oh, oh-oh…”). The use of background vocals and ad-libs further amplify the overall record.

10. Fifth Harmony, “Work from Home”

Ft. Ty Dolla $ign

7/27 • Epic • 2016

“You don’t gotta go to work, work, work, work…let my body do the work, work, work, work…” Cutting straight to the chase, “Work from Home,” a big-time hit by Fifth Harmony is drenched in innuendo from start to finish.  Liken “Work from Home” to mashed potatoes smothered in brown gravy, or gravy of preference. How absurd is this irresistible pop hit? Absurd as your choice of a four-letter word.

Let’s put it this way, the girls, assisted by Ty Dolla $ign are definitely encouraging a different line of ‘work’ – definitely not a ‘9 to 5.’ These girls tell their boyfriends they “don’t gotta go to work” – a source of bread mind you – because they can “work from home.” Honestly, how can the dude make any $$$ if he “don’t gotta go to work?” Yes, there are some jobs where employees do have the privilege of being able to “Work from Home,” but in this case, the man seems to be providing pleasure.  “Let my body do the work, work, work, work…”

Sure, what guy wouldn’t want to oblige Fifth Harmony’s suggestiveness in an ideal, utopian world? Still, no matter how much “work” Fifth Harmony are willing to do with their bodies, is it realistically going to pay the rent, the car payment, the electric bill?  “Bills, Bills, Bills!” Destiny’s Child emphasized that back in 1999 with their The Writings on the Wall classic! “Can you pay my bills…If you did then maybe we could chill / I don’t think you do / So, you and me are through.” Lacking in substance or authentic emotion, “Work From Home” is the exemplification of sex on the track, built upon slang and swagger, and ultimately constructed tastefully if ridiculously and unrealistically. “Work from Home” has appeared on numerous playlists including 10 Songs That Require Work to Be Put In and 11 Songs Where the Innuendo is Out of Control.

11. Hozier, “Work Song”

Hozier • Rubyworks / Columbia • 2014

“My babe would never fret none / About what my hands and body done / If the Lord don’t forgive me / I’d still have my baby and my babe would have me.” Wow… WOW! Irish singer/songwriter Hozier lays it all on the line – this love is totally a deep one on “Work Song,” a gem from his 2014 debut album, Hozier. If he makes nothing else clear, he totally loves his bae: “Boys, workin’ on empty / Is that the kinda way to face the burning heat / I just think about my baby.”

Hozier confirms the depth of his love on the chorus, ludicrously suggesting he’d exit his grave (escaping inevitable death essentially) to be with her.  Give him credit – that’s poetic stuff right there, and authenticity by all means!

“When, my, time comes around
Lay me gently in the cold dark earth
No grave can hold my body down
I’ll crawl home to her.”

[📷: BMG Rights Management, Chance the Rapper, Columbia, Epic, Interscope, OVO Sound / Warner Bros., Pexels, Pixabay, Quality Control Music / Motown / Capitol, RCA, Rubyworks / Columbia, Westbury Road Entertainment / Roc Nation]